Lemon Button Fern can propagate in three ways division, runner propagation, and spore propagation. While division is a common way for lemon button fern propagation, runner propagation and spore propagation are not common. To clone the lemon button fern by division, you must remove it from its pot, divide your fern into several sections with root and foliage and put your new lemon button fern in new pots with well-drained soil mix.
I love lemon button ferns because these delightful additions are low-maintenance care plants which can give an aesthetic appeal to my indoor décor along with potential air-purifying qualities. They are also safe plants for my pets. I love to gift this small indoor fern to my friends and their propagation is an economical way to save my money.
However, you must consider some tips while propagating your lemon button fern and caring new plant. In the following, I will give you a comprehensive guideline step-by-step along with pro tips which will help you for succeed in the division and taking care of new plants. By following them, you will change one pot to several pots and enjoy the lush foliage of your Lemon Button Ferns for years to come.
Various Ways for Lemon Button Fern Propagation
While there are a few methods of plant propagation, the most common and successful way to propagate a Lemon Button Fern is through division. While division is the preferred method and other methods are less common, some people have reported success with Runner and Spore propagation. In the following, you can find a brief overview of every method.
- Division
This method is relatively simple and involves separating the plant into multiple sections.
- Spore propagation
This is a lengthy and intricate process, typically reserved for experienced plant enthusiasts and is not commonly used for Lemon Button Ferns.
- Runner propagation
Some ferns produce runners with plantlets at the end. These can be carefully separated and potted. However, this is not a common occurrence with Lemon Button Ferns.
As I told you above Lemon Button Ferns are relatively easy to propagate through division. Based on my experience, with proper care, your new plants should thrive. In the following, I will focus on lemon button fern propagation by division and give you a comprehensive guideline.
Propagating your Lemon Button Fern: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lemon button ferns are relatively easy to propagate through division. This method is best done in spring when the plant is actively growing. Common to learn it step by step.
Best time for lemon button fern propagation:
Spring, when the plant is actively growing is the best time for cloning your fern.
Requirements for lemon button fern propagation:
- Your Lemon button fern
- Sterilized gardening shears or knife
- Well-draining potting mix
- Small pots with drainage holes
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Process and Steps of Propagation Button Fern
Step1: Prepare Your Button Fern for Propagation
- Water your lemon button fern thoroughly the day before dividing. This will help reduce stress on the plant.
Step 2: Remove your Fern from its Pot
- Gently remove the entire fern from its pot by gently wiggling it.
Step 3: Divide your Fern
- Examine the root ball.
- Look for natural divisions where the plant can be separated into two or more sections.
- Use sterilized gardening shears or a knife to cut through the root ball if necessary.
- Each section should have a good number of roots and foliage.
Step 4: Prepare the Pots
- Check drainage holes to be enough.
- Fill small pots with a well-draining potting mix.
Step 5: Pot the Divisions
- Plant each divided section in its own pot.
- If desired, dip the roots in the rooting hormone before planting.
- Cover the roots with potting mix, firming gently. Place the new plants in a warm, humid location with indirect light.
Key Points which You Must Consider:
- Timing is key: Spring is the ideal time for division when your fern is actively growing.
- Handle with care: Be gentle when separating the root ball to avoid damaging the roots and leaves.
- Sterilize tools: Prevent disease spread by sterilizing your gardening shears or knife before use.
- Ensure each division has roots: Each new plant should have a good portion of roots for successful establishment.
- Use well-draining potting mix: This is crucial for preventing root rot.
Pro Tips for Caring for Your Baby Button Ferns After Propagation
- Provide indirect light: Lemon Button Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Maintain humidity: These ferns appreciate high humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing the pots on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Water regularly: Water regularly, Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize sparingly: Avoid fertilizing for the first few weeks, after that use a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Monitor for pests: Keep an eye out for common tiny bugs on houseplants like aphids and scales. Treat promptly if necessary.
- Repot as needed: Repot your fern every 1-2 years or when the roots become overcrowded.
- Patience is a virtue: It may take several weeks for the new plants to establish themselves.
- Consider pot size: Use pots that are slightly larger than the root ball to prevent overwatering.
- Avoid temperature extremes: Protect your ferns from cold drafts and extreme heat.
If you’re unsure about dividing the fern, you can try repotting it into a larger pot with fresh potting mix first. Often, the plant will naturally divide itself over time.
Benefits of Lemon Button Ferns Indoors
Lemon Button Ferns offer several benefits for indoor environments:
Aesthetic Appeal
- Enhances decor: Its delicate, button-shaped fronds add a touch of elegance and greenery to any room.
- Creates a calming atmosphere: The soft, green foliage contributes to a peaceful ambience.
Air Quality Improvement
- Potential air purifier: Like many ferns, it is believed to help purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. While scientific research on this is limited, it’s a popular belief among plant enthusiasts.
Low Maintenance
- Beginner-friendly: Relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for those new to indoor plants.
- Adaptable: Tolerates varying light conditions, though thrives in bright, indirect light.
Pet-Safe plant
- Non-toxic: Safe for homes with pets, eliminating concerns about accidental ingestion. I recommend reading my other post about ferns are safe for cats and ferns are safe for dogs.
Did you know your lemon button fern has these benefits? Do you need more tips to care for your lemon button fern? If you have any questions, please ask me below this page.
Conclusion
Now, you have a guideline to propagate your lemon button fern. I told you division is the most common way for lemon button fern propagation. You found out the key tip for succussed division of a fern is choosing sections with sufficient root and foliage and potting them in a pot with a well-drained soil mix. I told you providing humidity is another point you must consider for your new plants to grow healthy.
Do you think this guideline can help you to propagate your lemon button fern successfully? Is there any subject for lemon button fern propagation that you want to know that I didn’t mention in this post? If you have any questions about fern propagation and taking care of it, please ask me below this page. I’m a horticultural consultant and helping you is my pleasure.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.